Abstract: A compression belt encircles a selected portion of a patient's body to provide temporary compression. The compression belt comprises an elongated belt body having first and second free ends free, a tensioning cord, a handle attached to the end of the tensioning cord, closing mechanism providing a mechanical advantage, a one-way tension mechanism and a selective release mechanism. Pulling the handle causes the closing mechanism to pull the first and second free ends closer together to compress the patient's body and engage the one-way tension mechanism that maintains compression even in the absence of continued pulling of the handle, unless the selective release mechanism is activated to release the compression. A buffer made of compressible material can be attached to the underside of the belt body to provide inward pressure when the belt is tightened. The belt body can further include a respiratory expansion panel that elongates elastically under tension.

Abstract: A compression belt encircles a selected portion of a patient's body and provides temporary compression of the selected portion. The compression belt comprises an elongated belt having first and second free ends free, a tensioning cord, a handle attached to the end of the tensioning cord, closing mechanism providing a mechanical advantage, a one-way tension mechanism and a selective release mechanism. Pulling the handle causes the closing mechanism to pull the first and second free ends closer together so as to compress the selected portion of the patient's body, the one-way tension mechanism maintains compression of the patient's body, even in the absence of continued pulling of the handle, unless the selective release mechanism is activated, and activating the selected release mechanism releases the compression of the patient's body.